Life can get busy. It’s a constant balance of career and family life, trying to fit in exercise and relaxation time, to getting out and being social. For many, there are even more things we want to fit in, like giving back and helping those who need it. We often think giving is too hard and too time-consuming. But in reality, it’s not hard as we think, and we can all give a little more doing just a few simple things. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of ‘other ways to give’ – from apps to donating blood, to taking action online. Give your hands, your time and your heart. So why not take a little leap and try out these other ways to give and help make the world a better place.

Apps

There are a bunch of amazing apps out there that make giving easy. Two of our favourites at Inspired HQ are Stand4 and Shout4good.

Shout For Good is an app that allows you to donate to your favourite non-profit organisations. You can choose to donate a certain amount, or you can choose to “shout” something else. For example, you want to donate to World Vision Australia. You can shout fast growing seeds for $10, or childhood immunisation for $25. It’s all about showing people the impact they’re making, what their dollar is worth and how a little goes a long way.

 Stand4 is the digital way to take a ‘Stand’ for a cause you believe in. You can take Stands by snapping pictures, answering fun questions and a whole lot more. Every time you can a Stand, Stand4 donates to charity for you. You get to keep the change in your pocket and still help out in other ways.

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Credit: Stand4

Donate blood

Donating blood is something most of us can do (minus the squeamish amongst us) and is relatively easy. You choose your time and place to donate via the donateblood.com.au website, have a quick interview on the day to make sure you’re a suitable candidate, and then you give blood! It takes about 5-10 minutes and you’re done! Currently only 1 in 30 people in Australia give blood, but 1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime.

 Donate goods

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to give is donating old or unworn clothes and items to charity. Do a little spring clean (since it is the start of spring!) and grab a bag and fill it with clothes and other items you don’t need anymore. You can drop your bags of clothes in charity bins, or if you have other items like old furniture you can go straight to the Salvation Army or a Vinnies store. For more information about how to donate unused goods read this awesome article by 1 Million Women.

Dine out

You must think we’re crazy – how does dining out help anyone but your own stomach? Well, here are two restaurants that help:

Feast of Merit is a social enterprise restaurant where 100% of their profits go to YGAP (a movement of entrepreneurs who change the lives of people living in poverty). We think that’s pretty cool.

Then there is Lentil as Anything where you pay what you feel is fair for the food you’ve received. The theory behind this restaurant is that everyone should be have the opportunity to dine out and be social regardless of their financial situation. It’s a financial model based on values of trust, generosity and respect. We love this!

Be conscious

Want to give to the environment? Why not take the 1 million women carbon challenge and reduce your CO2 pollution by 1 tonne. Yes, 1 whole tonne in just one year! You can choose different activities that work for you whilst making a huge impact on our Earth.

You can also take it upon yourself to be more informed about our environment and the impact humans are having on its balance. Charts and info graphics are readily available, you just have to be proactive and look! Check out this info graphic from the Climate Council.

 Take action online

 Want to take action on an issue close to your heart but don’t know where to begin? Start your own petition at change.org! Check out their website and get people backing a cause you’re passionate about.

You can also join a movement and put your name and voice behind a campaign you believe in. 350.org are currently campaigning hard to fight climate change and to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

And now we’d love to hear from you! What do you do in your daily life for good?

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